NCERT book shows Aksai Chin as part of China

Srinagar: A Class 12 National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) Political Science textbook shows Aksai Chin as part of China with the label ‘Indian claim’, news portal The Quint reported on May 8.

The textbook – titled ‘Contemporary World Politics’, first printed in 2007, shows Aksai Chin coloured in the same yellow as China, the report said, adding that the map is “Courtesy of the University of Texas, libraries, Austin”.

“Ironically, it was to prevent such ‘misrepresentation’ of India’s map that the Central Government last year proposed the Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016 providing for a fine that could range from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 100 crore and/or imprisonment for a period of up to seven years. Under its ambit is wrongful depiction, dissemination, publication or distribution of any wrong or false topographic information of India including international boundaries through internet platforms or online services or in any electronic or physical form,” the report added.

The public view of the map of Jammu and Kashmir is ‘restricted’ on the Survey of India website, which otherwise is the apex government body entrusted with map preparation and distribution, the report said.

“Interestingly, SoI does have a map of J&K showing the availability of district maps of the state. The territories that are under dispute with China and Pakistan are coloured red and marked as ‘Under Progress.’ The maps of rest of the state are however available for sale,” the report added.

The Indian claim to Aksai Chin was based on an internal British Indian survey, the Johnson Line. After the Sino-India war of 1962 resulted in a humiliating defeat for India, the Chinese declared a unilateral ceasefire, withdrawing from Arunachal Pradesh – but not Aksai Chin, the report added.

“China’s retention of what may seem an inhospitable desert while giving up the fertile cherry that dropped into its mouth was a very shrewd move. In the words of Chairman Mao Zedong, China could see beyond its nose.

“Aksai Chin has since become the dragon’s bargaining chip, keeping India militarily insecure and engaged.
India has continued to call Chinese administration of the region “illegal occupation,” and the Indian version of the map marks it under the Ladakh district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir,” the report said.